All-terrain platform dolly

ABSTRACT

An adjustable all-terrain dolly system (100) having a chassis assembly (110) that includes a frame (120) which has a right-side rail (122), a left-side rail (124), a first-adjustable cross member (126) and a second-adjustable cross member (128), and a first-rolling assembly (160) to include a first-set of inline wheels (164) and a second-rolling assembly to include a second-set of inline wheels (174) and at least one adjustable-locking mechanism (180). The frame of the dolly system defines a load-supporting platform, and the platform has a length which is at least about twice the front-to-rear length of each of the two sets of wheels. Furthermore, each wheel of the dolly system has a peripheral surface which is shaped to engage the underlying surface at a substantially single point to enhance the maneuverability of the dolly.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS/INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE

The present application is a 371 national phase of Application No.PCT/US18/00124, filed Jul. 30, 2018. The above-identified application ishereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to the field of platform dolliesand relates, more specifically, to a dolly having a load-supportingplatform upon which a load can be positioned for transport by way of thedolly.

DESCRIPTION OF RELATED ART

Commonly-used platform dollies cannot handle rough terrain efficientlyand, even if adjustable, cannot be expanded easily and typically, arenot multi-functional. Additionally, dollies are likely not to move in asingle desired direction when pushed and are, instead, likely to move inany of a number of undesired directions. Furthermore, conventionaldollies are commonly difficult to load, and often, the load is noteasily maintained on the dolly. A suitable solution is desired.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,166,638 to Alfred De Prado relates to an adjustabledolly. The described adjustable dolly includes a wheeled platform baseof adjustable length, is fitted with straps for securing a load to abase, and is provided with projecting handles mounted to an end wall ofthe base. Shoulder padding is fixed under the base to enable a householdmover to lift and support an end of the carriage on his shoulder for themoving of items of furniture placed on the base.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,599,031 to Douglas Hodges relates to a work dolly havingadjustable height, width and length. The work dolly having adjustableheight, width and length includes a dolly for movably supporting a loadhaving an adjustable frame with side members and end members. Each sidemember and end member consists of slidable sections in telescopingrelationship for adjusting length and width of the frame. A wheeledsupport is carried on the underside of the frame for transport purposes.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In view of the foregoing disadvantages inherent in the known platformdolly art, the present disclosure describes novel adjustable all-terraindolly system.

In particular, this invention resides in a dolly which facilitates thetransport of a load across a floor or underlying surface. The dollyincludes a chassis assembly defining an elongated load-supportingplatform and including a forward edge and an opposite rearward edge, andthe chassis assembly includes a frame including two opposite side railswhich extend between the forward edge and the rearward edge of theplatform, and the platform has a fore-to-aft length as measured betweenthe forward edge and the rearward edge thereof. In addition, two sets offloor-engaging wheels are joined to the frame and are arranged beneaththe load-supporting platform of the chassis assembly wherein one of thetwo sets of floor-engaging wheels is disposed adjacent one of the twoopposite side rails and a second set of wheels is disposed adjacent theother of the two opposite side edges of the frame. Further, the wheelsof each of the two sets of wheels are arranged inline with one anotherand include a forwardmost wheel, a rearwardmost wheel and least oneintermediate wheel disposed between the forwardmost and rearwardmostwheels. Each of the two sets of wheels has a front-to-rear length asmeasured between the front of the forwardmost wheel and the rear of therearwardmost wheel; and each of the two sets of wheels is substantiallycentered between the forward and rearward edges of the platform. Furtherstill, the front-to-rear length of each of the two sets of wheels isabout one-half of the fore-to-aft length of the platform so that anappreciable portion of the platform extends between the front of theforwardmost wheel of each set of wheels and the forward edge of theplatform, and an appreciable portion of the platform extends between therear of the rearwardmost wheel of each set and the rearward edge of theplatform. Moreover, each wheel of the two sets of wheels has aperipheral surface for engaging the floor or underlying surface as thedolly is rolled therealong, and the peripheral surface of each wheel hasa transverse cross section which is shaped so that as the dolly isrolled along the floor or underlying surface, the peripheral surface ofeach wheel engages the floor or underlying surface at a substantiallysingle point to enhance the maneuverability of the dolly as the dolly isrolled across the floor or underlying surface.

It has been found that the dolly described therein provides an efficientmeans for transporting items over difficult terrains. Moreover, thedolly operates reliably and can be manufactured at a relatively modestexpense. These and other features, aspects, and advantages of thepresent invention will become better understood with reference to thefollowing drawings and detailed description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The figures which accompany the written portion of this portion of thespecification illustrate embodiments and methods of use for the presentdisclosure, an adjustable all-terrain dolly system, constructed andoperative according to the teachings of the present disclosure.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an adjustable all-terrain dolly systemduring an “in-use” condition, according to an embodiment of thedisclosure.

FIG. 2 is a top perspective view of the adjustable all-terrain dollysystem of FIG. 1, comprising a chassis assembly according to anembodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 3 is a bottom perspective view of the chassis assembly of FIG. 1,according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 4 is a top perspective view of the chassis assembly of FIG. 1 in anexpanded form, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 5 is a flow diagram illustrating a method of use of the adjustableall-terrain dolly system, according to an embodiment of the presentdisclosure.

The various embodiments of the present invention will hereinafter bedescribed in conjunction with the appended drawings, wherein likedesignations denote like elements.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF AN ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENT

As discussed above, embodiments of the present disclosure relate to aplatform dolly and more particularly to an adjustable all-terrain dollyas used to improve the transportation of different loads over a varietyof terrains.

Generally speaking, in preferred embodiments, the adjustable all-terraindolly system cradles the load, allowing the user to set the width of theload, tilt the load and set the load onto the dolly system. This allowsthe user to easily transport a variety of items like a washing machine,dishwasher or the like. Additionally, a user could add an attachment tothe adjustable all-terrain dolly system like a cart in order to haulloose items.

Referring now more specifically to the drawings by numerals ofreference, there is shown in FIGS. 1-4, various views of an adjustableall-terrain dolly system 100. FIG. 1 shows an adjustable all-terraindolly system 100 during an “in-use” condition 150, according to anembodiment of the present disclosure. Here, the adjustable all-terraindolly system 100 may be beneficial for use by a user 140 to transportheavy items over a terrain. As illustrated, the adjustable all-terraindolly 100 may include: a chassis assembly 110 that includes a frame 120which has a right-side rail 122, a left-side rail 124, afirst-adjustable cross member 126 and a second-adjustable cross member128, and a first-rolling assembly 160 to include a first-set of inlinewheels 164 and a second-rolling assembly 170 to include a second-set ofinline wheels 174 and at least one adjustable-locking mechanism 180.

According to one embodiment, the adjustable all-terrain dolly system 100may be arranged as a kit 105. In particular, the adjustable all-terraindolly system 100 may further include a set of instructions 155. Theinstructions 155 may detail functional relationships in relation to thestructure of the adjustable all-terrain dolly system 100 (such that theadjustable all-terrain dolly-system 100 can be used, maintained, or thelike, in a preferred manner).

FIG. 2 shows a top perspective view of the adjustable all-terrain dollysystem 100 of FIG. 1, according to an embodiment of the presentdisclosure. As shown, the adjustable all-terrain dolly system 100 mayinclude a chassis assembly 110 that includes a frame 120 which has aright-side rail 122, a left-side rail 124, a first-adjustable crossmember 126 and a second-adjustable cross member 128, and a first-rollingassembly 160 to include a first-set of inline wheels 164 andsecond-rolling assembly 170 to include a second-set of inline wheels 174and at least one adjustable-locking mechanism 180.

The right-side 122 to perpendicular to first-adjustable cross member 126and left-side rail 124 is perpendicular to second-adjustable crossmember 128. The first-rolling assembly 160 is structurally connected tothe right-side rail 122 and the second-rolling assembly 170 isstructurally connected to the right-side rail 122, respectively. Theright-side rail 122 is parallel to the left-side rail 124 and the firstadjustable cross member 126 is parallel to the second-adjustable crossmember 128. At least one adjustable-locking mechanism 180 is joined to afirst-proximal end of the first-adjustable cross member 126. At leastone adjustable-locking mechanism is joined to a second-proximal end ofthe second-adjustable cross member 128. The adjustable all-terrain dollysystem 100 is configured to transport a load 10 over a surface.

The first-rolling assembly 160 and the second-rolling assembly 170 arelinearly aligned and modular. The first-rolling assembly 160 and thesecond-rolling assembly 170 each comprise at least two wheels in linearorientation. The at least two wheels in linear orientation are coupledto at least one track 162. At least one track 162 each comprises awheel-skirt 163. In a preferred embodiment, first-rolling assembly 160and the second-rolling assembly 170 each comprises exactly four wheelsin a linear orientation. The four wheels in linear orientation maintaina common plane during use relative to each other.

FIG. 3 is a bottom perspective view of the chassis assembly 110 of FIG.1, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Thefirst-adjustable cross member 126 and second-adjustable cross member 128are telescopically extendable and retractable. The right-side rail 122is adjustable relative to the left-side rail 124 to a maximum offorty-two inches via moving the first-adjustable cross member 126 andthe second-adjustable cross member 128 in relation to each other.

FIG. 4 is a top perspective view of the chassis assembly 110 of FIG. 1,according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The chassisassembly 110 comprises in functional combination, the frame 120, thefirst-rolling assembly 160, the second-rolling assembly 170, and atleast one adjustable-locking mechanism 180. The frame 120 isstructurally defined by a right-side rail 122, a left-side rail 124, afirst adjustable cross member 126, and a second-adjustable cross member128. The frame 120 comprises a platform.

At least one adjustable-locking mechanism 180 comprises a rotatablefastener 182. The rotatable fastener 182 comprises at least one wing bywhich to manipulate the rotatable fastener 182 in relation to thefirst-adjustable cross member 126 and the second-adjustable cross member128. The adjustable all-terrain dolly system 100 is configured totransport a load 10 over a surface. The adjustable all-terrain dollysystem 100 is arranged as a kit 105.

FIG. 5 is a flow diagram illustrating a method for transporting a load10 over a surface, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.In particular, the method for transporting a load 10 over a surface 500can include one or more components or features of the adjustableall-terrain dolly system 100, as described above. As illustrated in FIG.5, the method for transporting a load 10 over a surface 500 can includethe steps of: step one 501, extending a first-adjustable cross member126 and a second-adjustable cross member 128; step two 502, placing atleast one item on the adjustable all-terrain dolly system 100; stepthree 503, transporting the at least one item over a surface; step four504, retracting the first-adjustable cross member 126 and thesecond-adjustable cross member 128; step five 505, storing theadjustable all-terrain dolly system 100.

It should be noted that step four 504 and five 505 are optional stepsand may not be implemented in all cases. Optional steps of method of use500 are illustrated using dotted lines in FIG. 5 so as to distinguishthem from the other steps of method of use. It should also be noted thatthe steps described in the method of use can be carried out in manydifferent orders according to user preference. The use of the phrase“step of” should not be interpreted as the phrase “step for” in theclaims herein and is not intended to invoke the provisions of 35 U.S.C.Section 112(f). It should also be noted that, under appropriatecircumstances, considering such issues as design preference, userpreferences, marketing preferences, cost, structural requirements,available materials, and technological advances, other methods fortransporting a load over a surface (e.g., different step orders withinabove-mentioned list, elimination or addition of certain steps,including or excluding certain maintenance steps), are taught herein.

It follows that a dolly 100 has been described which facilitates thetransport of a load across a floor or underlying surface. Morespecifically, the dolly 100 includes a chassis assembly 110 defining anelongated load-supporting platform and including a forward edge and anopposite rearward edge, and the chassis assembly 110 includes a frame120 including two opposite side rails 122, 124 which extend between theforward edge and the rearward edge of the platform, and the platform hasa fore-to-aft length as measured between the forward edge and therearward edge thereof. In addition, two sets of floor-engaging wheels164, 174 are joined to the frame 120 and are arranged beneath theload-supporting platform of the chassis assembly 110 wherein one of thetwo sets of floor-engaging wheels 164 or 174 is disposed adjacent one ofthe two opposite side rails and a second set of wheels 174 or 164 isdisposed adjacent the other of the two opposite side edges of the frame120. Further, the wheels of each of the two sets of wheels are arrangedinline with one another and include a forwardmost wheel, a rearwardmostwheel and least one intermediate wheel disposed between the forwardmostand rearwardmost wheels. Each of the two sets of wheels has afront-to-rear length as measured between the front of the forwardmostwheel and the rear of the rearwardmost wheel; and each of the two setsof wheels is substantially centered between the forward and rearwardedges of the platform. Further still, the front-to-rear length of eachof the two sets of wheels is about one-half of the fore-to-aft length ofthe platform so that an appreciable portion of the platform extendsbetween the front of the forwardmost wheel of each set of wheels and theforward edge of the platform, and an appreciable portion of the platformextends between the rear of the rearwardmost wheel of each set and therearward edge of the platform. Moreover, each wheel of the two sets ofwheels 164, 174 has a peripheral surface for engaging the floor orunderlying surface as the dolly 100 is rolled therealong, and theperipheral surface of each wheel has a transverse cross section which isshaped so that as the dolly is rolled along the floor or underlyingsurface, the peripheral surface of each wheel engages the floor orunderlying surface at a substantially single point to enhance themaneuverability of the dolly 100 as the dolly 100 is rolled across thefloor or underlying surface.

The embodiments of the invention are exemplary and numerousmodifications, variations and rearrangements can be readily envisionedto achieve substantially equivalent results, all of which are intendedto be embraced within the spirit and scope of the invention.Accordingly, the aforedescribed embodiments are intended for the purposeof illustration and not as limitation.

The invention claimed is:
 1. A dolly, comprising: a first rail includinga first front edge and a first rear edge; a second rail including asecond front edge and a second rear edge; a first cross member extendingbetween the first rail and the second rail; a second cross memberextending between the first rail and the second rail; a first pluralityof inline wheels, wherein each of the first plurality of inline wheelscomprises a width; a second plurality of inline wheels, wherein each ofthe second plurality of inline wheels comprises a width; and wherein:for the first rail, a first front region is defined between the firstfront edge and the first cross member, a first middle region is definedbetween the first cross member and the second cross member, wherein thefirst middle region comprises a width, and a first rear region isdefined between the second cross member and the first rear edge; for thesecond rail, a second front region is defined between the second frontedge and the first cross member, a second middle region is definedbetween the first cross member and the second cross member, wherein thesecond middle region comprises a width, and a second rear region isdefined between the second cross member and the second rear edge; thefirst plurality of inline wheels is located directly under the firstmiddle region, and no wheels are located directly under the first frontregion and the first rear region; the width of each of the firstplurality of inline wheels is less than the width of the first middleregion; the second plurality of inline wheels is located directly underthe second middle region, and no wheels are located directly under thesecond front region and the second rear region; and the width of each ofthe second plurality of inline wheels is less than the width of thesecond middle region.
 2. The dolly of claim 1, wherein: the firstplurality of inline wheels comprises four inline wheels; and the secondplurality of inline wheels comprises four inline wheels.
 3. The dolly ofclaim 1, wherein: the first plurality of inline wheels has exactly fourinline wheels; and the second plurality of inline wheels has exactlyfour inline wheels.
 4. The dolly of claim 1, wherein the first rail isparallel to the second rail.
 5. The dolly of claim 1, wherein the firstcross member is parallel to the second cross member.
 6. The dolly ofclaim 1, wherein: a length of the first cross member is adjustable; anda length of the second cross member is adjustable.
 7. The dolly of claim6, wherein: the length of the first cross member is telescopicallyadjustable; and the length of the second cross member is telescopicallyadjustable.
 8. The dolly of claim 6, wherein: the first cross membercomprises a first releasably-lockable fastener configured to allow thefirst cross member to be adjusted; and the second cross member comprisesa second releasably-lockable fastener configured to allow the secondcross member to be adjusted.
 9. The dolly of claim 8, wherein: the firstreleasably-lockable fastener comprises a rotating fastener; and thesecond releasably-lockable fastener comprises a rotating fastener. 10.The dolly of claim 1, further comprising: a first wheel skirt arrangedto skirt the first plurality of inline wheels; and a second wheel skirtarranged to skirt the second plurality of inline wheels.
 11. The dollyof claim 10, wherein: the first wheel skirt is located wholly underneaththe first middle region; and the second wheel skirt is located whollyunderneath the second middle region.
 12. The dolly of claim 1, wherein:the first rail comprises a first horizontally oriented portion and afirst vertically oriented portion; and the second rail comprises asecond horizontally oriented portion and a second vertically orientedportion.
 13. The dolly of claim 12, wherein: the first verticallyoriented portion extends upwardly from an outer region of the firsthorizontally oriented portion; and the second vertically orientedportion extends upwardly from an outer region of the second horizontallyoriented portion.
 14. The dolly of claim 13, wherein: the firstvertically oriented portion extends upwardly from an outer edge of thefirst horizontally oriented portion; and the second vertically orientedportion extends upwardly from an outer edge of the second horizontallyoriented portion.
 15. The dolly of claim 1, wherein: a portion of thefirst cross member is located underneath the first rail; a portion ofthe first cross member is located underneath the second rail; a portionof the second cross member is located underneath the first rail; and aportion of the second cross member is located underneath the secondrail.
 16. The dolly of claim 15, wherein: the portion of the first crossmember underneath the first rail extends to an outer edge of the firstrail; and the portion of the first cross member underneath the secondrail extends to an outer edge of the second rail.
 17. The dolly of claim16, wherein: the portion of the second cross member underneath the firstrail extends to the outer edge of the first rail; and the portion of thesecond cross member underneath the second rail extends to the outer edgeof the second rail.